2016 Honda HR-V Small Crossover Specs, Price and Review

Honda finally released its new entry level crossover, the 2016 Honda HR-V at the last 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Positioned under the newly updated CR-V, the small crossover makes the crossover competition even tougher. The vehicle will directly compete against familiar names such as Nissan Juke, Buick Encore and the Chevrolet Trax.

On sale early next year as a 2016 model, the HR-V is spun off from the new-for-2015 Honda Fit, a finalist in both The Car Connection’s and Green Car Reports’ Best Car To Buy competitions.

The HR-V is important because it gives Honda an entrant in a fast-growing segment where it currently has none. A major thrust among automakers lately has been to expand into new segments, and SUVs have been a particular focus, even more so with compact crossovers than with the subcompact ones. Those selling a compact crossover for the first time in the 2015 model year include Lexus (the NX) and Lincoln (the MKC). And like Honda, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz are breaking into the subcompact crossover market, Mazda with the CX-3 and Mercedes with the GLA.

Exterior

Honda says the new HR-V has a “coupe-like” appearance due to its upswept side window treatment and hidden rear door handles. Aluminum wheels are standard equipment for the HR-V, while the HR-V EX adds a power sunroof.

Interior

The dual-screen clutter of bigger Hondas is absent in the HR-V. It has a very tidy cabin that, in upper trim levels, can have a touchscreen interface for infotainment and safety displays. With more than 100 cubic feet of interior space on the base LX trim (96.1 cu ft on EX and EX-L), the HR-V could be one of the roomiest vehicles in its niche–Honda says, even roomier than some mid-size offerings. It also features the Honda “Magic Seat,” which folds and flips the second-row seat to open up more configuration possibilities and lots of storage space. Behind the front seats, Honda says the HR-V has 58.8 cubic feet of storage space (or 24.3 cubic feet behind the second-row seat).

By the numbers, the HR-V measures 169.1 inches long overall, and rides on a 102.8-inch wheelbase.

Powertrain

A 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard in the 2016 Honda HR-V, one generating 138 horsepower and 127 lb.-ft. of torque. Front-wheel drive and a 6-speed manual transmission are standard, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel-drive system available as options. The CVT includes paddle shifters for greater control over how the engine power is accessed and delivered.

Safety

Honda says it should earn top scores in both NHTSA and IIHS testing for best-in-class safety; we’d note that it earns those with the Fit, but only garnered the top IIHS rating after a rapid fix to its bumper design. The HR-V comes standard with a rearview camera and tire pressure monitors, along with the usual traction systems and airbags.

Standard features on the HR-V include power windows, locks, and mirrors; a rearview camera; tilt/telescope steering; steering-wheel audio controls; and Bluetooth with audio streaming. Options will include a touchscreen interface; LaneWatch cameras; pushbutton start; paddle shifters; satellite radio; navigation; leather; a sunroof; and heated front seats.

Release Date and Price

The 2016 Honda HR-V was introduced at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The small crossover’s sales should commence soon or earlier in 2015. Currently, Honda doesn’t provide any pricing details, official statement should be there since sales will begin soon. One thing for sure, the new HR-V will be cheaper than the updated CR-V. The CR-V costs $24,150 as a starting price, the HR-V should cost below that. We will update you soon with more information.

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